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The Good-Skin Diet: 10 Foods for Healthier Skin

As beauty products get more high-tech, the top complexion cures still come from the most natural quarters: the aisles of your supermarket. "Increasingly, studies are finding links between certain nutrients and wrinkle reduction, radiance, and acne prevention," says David Bank, MD, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York. Here are 10 cream-of-the-crop ways to nourish your skin from the inside and out.

Prevent Wrinkles with Yogurt

The protein you get from eating dairy helps skin become firmer, so it's more resistant to lines, Dr. Wu says. Greek yogurt is especially beneficial. "The protein content is often double that of regular yogurt," Dr. Perricone adds. Eat a single serving daily to make your complexion smoother, and apply Korres Yoghurt Instant Soothing Gel ($38, sephora.com) to calm irritated, dry, or sensitive skin.

Soften Skin with Walnuts

"Walnuts contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can improve skin's elasticity," Dr. Bank says. The nuts are also loaded with copper, a mineral that boosts collagen production. Snack on a handful of walnuts each day to improve your complexion's texture, and slough tough calluses with True Blue Spa Smoothing Foot Scrub Toe the Line ($15, bathandbodyworks.com). The ground walnut it contains acts as an exfoliant.

Fight Crow's-Feet with Peppers

"Women who eat green and yellow vegetables regularly tend to have fewer wrinkles, especially around the eyes," Dr. Wu says. Also, studies found that carotenoids — the antioxidants in yellow and orange veggies — can decrease skin's sensitivity to the sun, Dr. Bank says. Aim for about two cups of peppers daily.

Zap Zits with Kidney Beans

They're high in zinc, and studies indicate a correlation between blemishes and low zinc levels, Dr. Wu explains. "That may be because of zinc's healing properties." Have a four-ounce serving of kidney beans to help you stay in the clear. In addition, studies show topical zinc to be as effective against acne as antibiotics are. Body lotions with zinc, like Dial NutriSkin Replenishing Lotion with BioNutrients Soothing ($7, drugstores), may kill blemish-causing bacteria.

Even Out Your Skin Tone with Soy

Drink a latte with soy milk or eat edamame and you may get a clearer complexion. "Soy contains minerals and proteins that have been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation," Dr. Bank says. One cup a day should yield results. Or smooth on soy-infused Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clarity Targeted Skin Tone Corrector ($125, elizabetharden.com) to help prevent sun spots.

Look Younger with Oatmeal

Steel-cut oatmeal is less processed than other varieties, so it retains more vitamins. "Plus, it takes longer to break down in your body, which helps keep your blood sugar stable," Dr. Wu says. "This is important because studies found that spiked blood sugar elevates your body's level of androgens, hormones that can contribute to wrinkles." Oats are also exceptionally skin healing. Lessen irritation with St. Ives Naturally Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion ($5, drugstores).

Calm Redness with Green Tea

"It's very high in antioxidants, particularly one named EGCG, which is proved to reduce redness," says Jeffrey Morrison, MD, nutrition consultant for Equinox Sports Clubs in New York City. "Studies have also demonstrated that green tea helps fight inflammation," Dr. Bank says. Sip at least one cup of green tea a day, and fight redness with Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins The Way of the Bath Matcha Tea Body Soak ($45, Origins stores).